Tragic Steven Narvaez, 20, was training to be a pilot at the University of HertfordshireCredit: Just Giving

Friends and family paid tribute to Ecuador-born Steven, who studied physics and aerospace at the University of Herefordshire.

Writing on a JustGiving page set up to pay for his funeral, family friend Katheryne Herrera said: “He was passionate about music as well as football.

"A young man who was loved amongst his family and peers and as the Ecuadorian young man he was, he was full of life and loved a great party. He left behind a loving mother, father and three younger sisters.”

Grief-stricken family members gathered this week at Belvedere home he shared with his parents Steven and Viviana.

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Forensic officers scour the area where tragic Steven was knifed to deathCredit: gavin rodgers/pixel 8000 ltd

A tearful uncle told reporters: “He was a very popular boy.”

Neighbours at the block of flats where Steven was attacked told how they heard his tearful friends wailing in anguish as paramedics rushed to stem the bleeding.